As Singapore Tatler commemorates its 30th anniversary this month, we take the opportunity to speak to some of society’s party mavens about their own causes for celebration – starting with the amiable tireless fundraiser, Celeste Basapa
Celeste Basapa, on holiday in the Maldives
The last party I helped organise and host was the Kidz Horizon Appeal Gala on September 1 at the Ritz-Carlton, Milenia Singapore. Themed “Britannia and Beyond”, we celebrated British music, food, fashion, etc. The authentic ambience created by music and décor had all guests ‘abandoning’ themselves to the mood!
Celeste (in saffron gown) hamming it up with her friends at the Kidz Horizon Ball 2012
I have for the past 10 years celebrated the birthdays of Pamela Ramos-Gomez (organised by her husband, Eduardo), which are always at some spectacular destination in the world.
My ideal party should not be larger than 30 persons, seated at a long rectangular table in a room with a forest setting with real trees. The table would be decorated with white orchids, white candles, tall silver candelabras with tendrils of ivy flowing down, and white crockery and silver flatware interspersed with blue and white antique porcelain or colourful antique Portuguese porcelain. The menu would be a mini degustation of favourites from the late Santi Santamaria’s restaurant El Raco de Can Fabes and Tetsuya Wakuda’s Waku Ghin.
My signature touch in all my parties is the fortune cookie, where guests pick a specially made cookie each, and break it to discover where they are seated! I also include some of my prized Casa Pupo porcelain pieces on the table when dining at home.
Elegant table settings with a personal touch
I have always enjoyed the Tatler Ball, especially the dancing! Last year’s Chinoiserie theme was my favourite because of the spectacular interpretations of the qipao by our ladies! But my personal favourite was the year I won the first of three Tatler awards – in 2001!
Photos: Celeste Basapa